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Management of funds

During our visits to people in rehabilitation and continuing care wards, we focused our attention on how an individual's funds are managed.  Perhaps surprisingly, three-quarters of the people we interviewed said they could spend their money the way they wanted. Those who said they could not were evenly scattered throughout the hospitals. 

Almost half of the people we spoke to said they managed their own money and just under two-thirds said they get help with budgeting.

We found a wide variety of ways in which people were supported with their finances. Support comes from ward staff, care managers and family members - both formally and informally.

The following comments from individuals illustrate the wide range of views and needs, as well as the diversity of arrangements to meet them:

Some comments about arrangements were fairly positive:

"Staff do all the money management I recently bought a new chair no problems with money"

"I agree the budget plan with my key worker"

"My sister manages my money, brings food etc"

"I have just been made 'incapax'. I would like to go and buy a guitar, get new clothes, go swimming"

Some not so positive:

"Don't know how I'm fixed financially"

"I only get £2 per day and would rather have £5-£10 per day. I can't buy tings I want like sweeties. I need to get trainers, pyjamas, new jacket and jeans and a haircut. Don't know when this is going to happen"

"I hate it, wish I could manage own money"

Comments from staff illustrate varied approaches to support offered:

"I was told he goes drinking, so he is restricted to £1.00 per day"

"He has a history of gambling and needs help with finances"

"He recently had 'incapax' status revoked. His key worker is helping with budgeting"

We met a small number of individuals who have a positive opportunity to budget for food to cook their meals. This provides a good rehabilitative learning experience.Unfortunately, this is an opportunity that is not available to many.

It is reassuring that most people felt that they have enough money for their personal needs; even those who smoked did not complain. However, we spoke to one mother who found she could not afford to buy her children clothes and presents. This undermined her self-confidence to act in her role as a mother. It also demonstrates some of the difficulties encountered by people with severe mental illness in trying to maintain positive parental relationships.